IGCSE descriptive essay | 2003 Oct-Nov | Write a description of a busy scene outside a stadium



Question

You are advised to write between 350 and 500 words on the following topic:

Write a description of a busy scene outside a stadium before or after a big event.

Model Essay

The scene outside the stadium before a big event is a spectacle of excitement and anticipation, a bustling hive of activity that brings together fans, vendors, and performers in a vibrant tapestry of human energy. As I approach the stadium, the air is charged with a palpable sense of expectation, a collective buzz that resonates through the throng of people converging on the venue.

The first thing that strikes me is the sheer scale of the crowd. Thousands of fans, adorned in their team’s colors, create a sea of jerseys, scarves, and face paint. The colors are vivid and varied, reflecting the passionate allegiance of each supporter. The hum of conversation, laughter, and occasional bursts of song create a lively, festive atmosphere. Friends greet each other with hearty handshakes and hugs, their faces alight with excitement. Families navigate through the crowd, parents holding the hands of eager children, their eyes wide with anticipation.

Vendors line the sidewalks, their stalls brimming with merchandise. There are tables piled high with hats, t-shirts, and memorabilia, each item emblazoned with the logos and colors of the competing teams. The vendors call out to passersby, their voices competing with the surrounding noise as they tout the quality and uniqueness of their wares. The scent of food wafts through the air, a mouthwatering mix of hot dogs, popcorn, and pretzels. Food trucks and carts offer an array of options, from burgers and fries to more exotic fare, catering to the diverse tastes of the crowd.

Street performers add to the festive atmosphere, drawing clusters of spectators with their acts. Musicians play lively tunes on guitars and drums, their music mingling with the crowd’s chatter. A juggler, his face painted in bright colors, deftly tosses flaming torches into the air, eliciting gasps and applause from onlookers. A magician entertains a group of children with card tricks and sleight of hand, their eyes wide with wonder as they try to figure out his secrets.

ADVERTISEMENT



The stadium itself looms large in the background, a modern colossus of steel and glass. Its entrances are adorned with banners and flags, fluttering in the breeze, adding to the sense of occasion. Security personnel, dressed in bright vests, direct the flow of people, ensuring a steady and orderly progression into the venue. The turnstiles click rhythmically as ticket holders make their way inside, their excitement growing with each step.

As the start of the event draws near, the energy outside the stadium intensifies. The conversations grow louder, the songs more frequent. The crowd’s collective anticipation reaches a fever pitch, a tangible force that seems to pulse through the air. Inside the stadium, the lights flicker on, casting a warm glow that spills out onto the surrounding area, heightening the sense of expectation.

After the event, the scene outside the stadium transforms. The energy shifts from anticipation to exhilaration or disappointment, depending on the outcome. Victorious fans spill out into the night, their cheers and songs filling the air. They celebrate in clusters, reliving the highlights of the game, their faces glowing with joy. Those on the losing side move more slowly, their expressions more subdued, but even they share in the communal experience, finding solace in the company of fellow supporters.

Vendors continue to do brisk business, selling souvenirs and late-night snacks to the departing crowds. Street performers keep the energy high, their acts a final flourish to an unforgettable evening. The streets are filled with a mix of jubilant celebration and reflective conversations, as fans slowly make their way home, their minds filled with the memories of the event.

In essence, the scene outside the stadium before and after a big event is a vibrant, dynamic expression of human enthusiasm and community. It is a place where the shared passion of thousands of people comes alive, creating an atmosphere that is electric, unforgettable, and uniquely alive.

Word Count: 644